The motel room was nothing special, with faded curtains, a flickering lamp, and a mattress that sagged in the middle. They had to keep a low profile, and that’s what Claus could come up with. He had their safety in mind, though. It was easier to get away from there should things go astray.

It doesn’t seem to be a problem for Mia either. For the first time all day, there were no eyes watching them, no fear of engines humming in pursuit, and no whispers of El Patrio’s men on their heels. ...